Bohadschia ocellata can be found in sand on lagoon, pinnacle and seaward reefs throughout the atoll. They are often buried in sand by day. They are somewhat sensitive to disturbance and will spew their extremely sticky Cuvierian tubules designed to entangle and immobilize potential predators. Coloration ranges from solid brown to brown with irregular ocellated spots.
Young specimen ejecting Cuvierian tubules.
On t he surface of the sand.
Often by day they bury in sand.
Bohadschia ocellata and other holothurians are often host to commensal crabs Lissocarcinus orbicularis.
The solid brown form is sometimes considered different, but seems identical except for the ocellated spots.
Created 21 June 2018
Updated 5 July 2021